I think a lot of that depends on platform though. If you're having electron apps like Discord active on your desktop the whole time, memory usage will be a constant issue for you.
I replaced a lot of my proprietary software with FOSS suites that run locally (with the exception of Steam and GOG launchers that I don't have running in the background), and I haven't had any issues with memory since.
Plus, using Ublock Origin on a Firefox fork tends to prevent junk from loading in the first place while browsing the web (and saves a shit ton of ram)
It's not just the Windows OS that uses more RAM than others. Every bloody App these days left memory optimisation in the dust a long time ago.
The base OS itself is only a fraction of the issue
Depends on how much ram you have. 32 or more? Yeah the OS is a drop in the bucket. But even with 8Gb windows kinda chugs sometimes.
I think a lot of that depends on platform though. If you're having electron apps like Discord active on your desktop the whole time, memory usage will be a constant issue for you.
I replaced a lot of my proprietary software with FOSS suites that run locally (with the exception of Steam and GOG launchers that I don't have running in the background), and I haven't had any issues with memory since.
Plus, using Ublock Origin on a Firefox fork tends to prevent junk from loading in the first place while browsing the web (and saves a shit ton of ram)